MLB Player News

Hammer's contract was purchased from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

The 24-year-old reliever has a 1.61 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 29 strikeouts in 22.1 innings across stops at Triple-A and Double-A. He takes the place of Pat Neshek, who landed on the injured list with a shoulder strain.

Strop (hamstring) will need to throw another bullpen session early next week and manager Joe Maddon said they will know by the end of next week whether a rehab assignment will be necessary, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Reports from earlier this week suggested that Strop could be activated shortly after throwing off a mound Saturday, but it seems like that was an overly optimistic timetable. It is unclear if Strop suffered a setback. An activation next weekend now seems like the best-case scenario, but he could also require a rehab assignment, which would mean an early-June return would be in the cards.

Collins was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday.

He has a 2.25 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 14 strikeouts in 12 innings at Triple-A. Collins will work in low-to-mid-leverage situations during this stint in the majors.

Ponce de Leon is a candidate to start Wednesday's game in Philadelphia, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

With Michael Wacha getting demoted to the bullpen, the Cardinals will need to summon a starter from Triple-A. Per Langosch, it will either be Ponce de Leon or Jake Woodford. Ponce de Leon is on the 40-man roster, while Woodford is not, but Woodford could make that start on normal rest while Ponce de Leon would be making the start on six days rest. Neither pitcher projects to be a major fantasy asset. Ponce de Leon has a 4.68 FIP, 1.45 WHIP and 37:22 K:BB in 41.1 innings at Triple-A. Alex Reyes (finger) still hasn't been cleared to hit at Triple-A and Austin Gomber (biceps) isn't expected to come off the minor-league injured list until next weekend. Both Reyes and Gomber are better long-term rotation options, so one could displace whoever makes the start Wednesday in short order.

Pomeranz was charged with the loss after lasting just 2.2 innings against the Diamondbacks on Friday, surrendering five runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out six.

Pomeranz's early struggles were a sign of the trouble ahead as Arizona set a record for the most runs ever scored at Oracle Park, totaling 18 on the night. It was the left-hander's second start since coming of the injured list, and it would appear he still has some dust to shake off. Pomeranz is now 0-4 in 10 career appearances against Arizona and 1-5 overall this season. The 30-year-old will carry a 6.45 ERA and 1.73 WHIP into a more favorable matchup against the Marlins on Wednesday.

Helsley is slated to continue pitching out of the bullpen at Triple-A Memphis, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Helsley had a brief stay in the majors that ended Thursday, when he was optioned back to Memphis. The right-hander is expected to continue being used as a reliever with the Redbirds, with the organization planning to prioritize multi-inning appearances for him. Helsley has been solid at both the Triple-A and major-league levels this season, with the 24-year-old posting sub-4.00 ERAs with both the Redbirds and Cardinals.

Neris struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning to record his ninth save of the season in Friday's 6-4 win over the Brewers.

The Phillies' bullpen reeled off six straight scoreless innings after Jared Eickhoff dug an early hole, with Neris capping off the impressive group effort. The right-hander now has a 1.99 ERA and dynamite 32:7 K:BB through 22.2 innings on the year, and he has yet to blow a save opportunity.

Hoffman allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings in Friday's 8-6 win over the Orioles. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

Making his second start of the season, with the last coming April 23, Hoffman struggled but the Rockies were able to cover the damage to get him off the hook for the loss. Hoffman owns an 8.10 ERA and 1.50 WHIP this season in the majors, and it's unclear whether he'll remain as the Rockies' fifth starter or head back to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room for another arm.

Iglesias retired the Cubs in order with one strikeout to earn his 11th save in a 6-5 victory Friday afternoon.

Since a couple of bad appearances against the Giants at the beginning of the month, Iglesias has improved tremendously. He is 5-for-5 in his last five save opportunities, and he hasn't allowed a run in 8.2 straight frames. Overall, Iglesias owns a 1-5 record with a 3.20 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 25.1 innings. He is also 11-for-13 in save chances.

Wilson (elbow) started throwing again Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Wilson was scheduled to rest for a few days after landing on the 10-day injured list earlier this month but is now beginning to progress in his recovery. The 31-year-old is pain free but has yet to begin mound work, making him unlikely to return before the end of May.